The Gift

The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

WHEN WAS THE last time you received a gift?

Did the giver ask you to pay him or her back? To do something in return? Unless it’s a marketing ploy, anything that’s called a gift is usually free.

Sometimes, gifts are about the only things in life that come with no strings attached. Few items, possessions, sources of help and strength, or anything else come without a price tag. We’re used to paying for whatever we get.

But this verse tells us that eternal life, the spiritual salvation that comes from Jesus, is a “free gift.”

Think about it. This gift from God to us—which includes forgiveness of sin, eternal life, salvation, a home in heaven, the power of the Spirit, God’s presence in our lives here on earth—is truly free. We can do nothing to merit or earn it. We can’t work for a week at hard labor and receive it as wages for a job well done. We can’t reach into our wallets and pull out a donation to gain it. We can’t even do something spiritual, such as praying for hours on end or beating ourselves with a whip to show our repentance, to get God’s attention and approval.

No, God’s gift to us is free. All we can do is give him our sins, open our hands and our hearts, and say, “I accept. Thank you.” It’s true. God offers his Kingdom, love, and eternal friendship for nothing more than a statement of faith.